Sen. Mark McKenney

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (not a policy bill) formally congratulating Warwick Police Chief Colonel Bradford Connor on his retirement after 27+ years of service. It recognizes his career path, including roles in community policing, leadership positions within the department, and service during the pandemic at Women & Infants Hospital. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send Chief Connor a certified copy of the tribute, with no policy changes or obligations created for any other entity. It solely serves as a formal expression of appreciation from the Rhode Island Senate.

Maddy summarySB 952 amends the state's "Credit Card Crime Act" to explicitly include "debit cards" under the definition of cards subject to fraud penalties. This change directly affects individuals who commit fraud using stolen or counterfeit debit cards, ensuring such acts are covered under the same legal provisions previously applied only to credit cards. The bill modifies existing law to state that fraudulent use of "credit or debit cards" violates the statute, maintaining the same penalty structure based on the value obtained (e.g., $100 threshold over six months). It does not create new offenses or penalties but clarifies that debit card fraud is now explicitly prohibited under the current law.

Defines squatter as a person occupying a dwelling unit who is not authorized by the property owner, landlord or tenant to occupy the unit and provides remedies for property owner including police assistance to remove a squatter.

2022) (Implements technical corrections to the transition rules for transactions governed by 2024 Public Laws Chapters 65 and 66 regarding security interests in emerging technologies.

Provides that businesses awarded tax credits, under the qualified jobs incentive act, within a specified time period are able to submit certain required documentation by December 31, 2025.

Authorizes the appropriation of the sum of $1,000,000 for the continued purchase, cancellation and forgiveness of medical debt consistent with section 35-4-21.1 of the General Laws.

Maddy summarySB 414 permits retired state employees, including paid members of the state labor relations board, to continue receiving their full retirement benefits while working in specific post-retirement roles. The bill amends retirement rules to clarify that retired members may serve in certain positions - such as on the labor relations board, as part-time teachers, or in limited judicial roles - without forfeiting benefits. Key provisions require employers to notify the retirement board monthly about such employment and prohibit additional retirement contributions or service credits for this work. The law specifically allows continued benefit receipt for roles like municipal board members, classroom instruction, or part-time nursing services, subject to annual pay limits.

Maddy summarySB 475, the "David Casey Act," requires public and private golf courses to have an automated external defibrillator (AED) on-site. This law expands existing requirements for AEDs at healthcare facilities and other public places (like schools, restaurants, and sports arenas) to specifically include golf courses. The bill mandates that all golf courses, regardless of whether they are publicly or privately operated, must maintain an AED accessible for immediate use in emergencies. This policy change directly affects golf course operators by adding a new safety equipment requirement.

Removes the sunset provision of the four (4) year pilot program to prevent drug overdoses through the establishment of harm reduction centers and creates a permanent program for harm reduction centers.

Ensures public access to lead service lines to determine the existence of lead within the water connection. This act also ensures mitigation measures and replacement lines are consistent with the current version of 40 C.C.R. 141 Subpart I.